Musician Profiles:
Jaewon Seo and Judy Kemph
Jaewon Seo, one of GRSMA's newest members.
Judy Kemph, always prepared for anything at DeVos Performance Hall!
GRSMA was happy to sit down with Jaewon Seo and Judy Kemph for this musician profile. Both shared a great deal about their background and interests, and each provided a youthful photo that warmed our hearts. Get to know Jaewon and Judy through this feature!
GRSMA: Where did you grow up, and were you part of a musical family?
JAEWON SEO: I was born in Gwangju, South Korea, and spent a lot of my childhood moving around in Canada. I finally settled in Ottawa around middle school, which is when I started taking music more seriously and committing to private lessons. My mother was a piano teacher and a church accompanist, so music was always in the air, whether she was practicing at home or teaching students. The sound of the piano was always constant, and I think that’s where my love for music really began to take shape.
JUDY KEMPH: While I am still continuing to "grow up," I suppose fourth grade through Masters Degree in Ann Arbor, Michigan, were the most formative years. At home, my Dad played the trumpet and the piano as a hobby. He had thoughts of majoring in music, but he chose medicine instead. My Mom had played the flute in high school, and she still had that same flute when I got to choose an instrument in the fifth grade. Because I walked to school, I figured this would be the easiest to carry back and forth. But when she showed me how to get a sound on the head joint, I was sold on the idea.
GRSMA: Tell us about your musical studies. Where did you receive your training to win an audition for the Grand Rapids Symphony (GRS)?
JAEWON: During my teenage years, I studied with Elaine Klimasko regularly and with Pinchas Zukerman in the summers, both of whom were huge musical influences on me. Later, I attended the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) for my undergraduate degree, where I had the privilege of studying with Ivan Zenaty, Phillip Setzer, and Joan Kwuon. From there, I pursued my Master’s at Rice University under Kathleen Winkler and, through her guidance, I learned a lot about orchestral playing and symphonic repertoire. After finishing school, I was accepted into the New World Symphony in Miami as a fellow, and I had the opportunity to work alongside several renowned conductors while performing a varying repertoire. (More about GRS Musicians and the New World Symphony HERE) By the second season, I won the audition for the Grand Rapids Symphony and began working here in February of 2024.
JUDY: Besides the experience I received at the University of Michigan, when I reflect on the musical experiences which led me to now, it actually can be traced all the way back to ballet classes in early elementary school and singing in junior and youth church choirs. Also, I was fortunate to travel a lot, performing with Musical Youth International on their tour to Japan, the U of M band’s European tour celebrating Revelli’s upcoming retirement, and the Canary Island Opera Festival. For six summers, I attended the Aspen Music Festival, holding the piccolo fellowship contract for the three-year maximum. It was after my first summer at Aspen when I joined the Grand Rapids Symphony in the fall of 1976.
GRSMA: Who are among your musical mentors and heroes?
JUDY: It has been my pleasure to have wonderful private teachers. When I was in 8th grade, Dave Julliet advised me that if I chose to play the piccolo, I must play it in tune. I have been endeavoring to follow his advice ever since. Glennis Stout helped me in all areas, from hand position and tone to repertoire. She encouraged me then to go to Nelson Hauenstein at U of M, who was very encouraging. When he transitioned to become the Dean, he arranged for Clement Barone to come from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to teach some of the flutists. It was a treat to get his piccolo perspectives. While I was in New York, I had an opportunity to take flute pedagogy and master classes with Samuel Baron, both of which were incredibly organizing and valuable for my playing and my teaching. At Aspen, I had six summers of studying with Albert Tipton. I loved his emphasis on resultant tone tuning for flexible pitch instruments.
JAEWON: There have been so many influential people along the way, but the mentors who truly shaped my musical identity were Elaine Klimasko, Pinchas Zukerman, and Kathleen Winkler. Each of them brought something unique to my development, whether it was refining my technique, expanding my musical imagination, or guiding me through the ups and downs of professional auditions. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance and inspiration.
GRSMA: Who are your favorite composers?
JAEWON: I’ve always been drawn to the works of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. Each of them, in their own way, pushed the boundaries of music and captured deep emotional experiences. Bach’s intricate counterpoint, Beethoven’s humanistic spirit, and Brahms’ rich emotional landscape resonate with me on a personal level. Their music feels timeless, like it has the ability to speak to the heart of humanity, no matter when or where it’s played.
JUDY: While I usually love whatever we are working on at the moment, some of my favorite composers are Bach, Telemann, Vivaldi, Mozart, Debussy, John Williams, and some of the Russian composers who wrote great piccolo parts.
GRSMA: Jaewon, how has your relocation to Grand Rapids gone so far?
JAEWON: The move to Grand Rapids has been wonderful! I’ve had the chance to explore the stunning Lake Michigan and immerse myself in nature, which has been such a refreshing change. The restaurant scene here is wonderful too. My wife Shirley and I have had fun discovering new places to eat, and the local community is welcoming. I’m really starting to feel at home here.
GRSMA: Judy, do you have any advice to give to Jaewon, as a new member of the Grand Rapids Symphony?
JUDY: My words of advice for Jaewon are to eat healthy foods, exercise, practice enough (but not too much — do no harm). Enjoy the wild, wonderful, and enriching ride that this unique profession offers.
GRSMA: If you weren't a musician, what other career path would you have taken?
JAEWON: That’s a tough one! If I weren’t a musician, I could definitely see myself as an engineer or even a soccer player. I’ve always loved problem-solving and working with my hands, so engineering would have been a natural fit. And soccer has always been a passion of mine. There’s something about the teamwork and intensity of the sport that I’ve always admired.
JUDY: If I had not gone into music, perhaps I would also have enjoyed something involving science, health care, or nutrition. It would need to satisfy my curiosity and also help people in some way.
GRSMA: What are your hobbies or interests?
JUDY: During high school and college, my hobby was jewelry making. Later, there was crocheting, and then card-making for a while. Now I guess my hobbies might be playing the recorder and exploring healthy nutrition.
JAEWON: Lately, I’ve really gotten into baking, especially experimenting with different types of pastries at home. I find the balance of precision and creativity involved in baking to be incredibly satisfying. Plus, having a sweet tooth makes it all the more enjoyable! Of course, listening to music has always been a big part of my life, and it’s still something I enjoy outside of my professional work. It’s a way for me to relax and connect with music on a more personal level.
GRSMA: What would you say is the most rewarding part of being in the Grand Rapids Symphony?
JUDY: The most rewarding part of being in the GRS is witnessing the powerful positive effect music has on our listeners in all concert venues, including educational services and Music for Health, as well as sharing the musical experiences with wonderful colleagues. The work ethic here is amazing.
JAEWON: The most rewarding part is the camaraderie we share as musicians. There’s something truly special about playing in an ensemble where everyone is fully invested in creating something beautiful together. Equally fulfilling is the opportunity to perform for and connect with the community. Being able to bring people together through music and share in something meaningful is incredibly rewarding.
GRSMA: Is there a past GRS concert that you will always remember fondly?
JAEWON: One concert that stands out from the past year was performing Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 5 "Egyptian" and Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G with Jean-Yves Thibaudet. The performance was vibrant and full of life, with so many subtle shades of sound and nuance in his playing. The entire experience, both playing and watching Jean-Yves perform, was incredibly inspiring.
JUDY: On April 24th, 2015, there was a city-wide collaboration of the arts for a concert in the Van Andel Arena. It was called Live Arts, and it was exhilarating! There were so very many groups represented, with the GRS playing a huge role.
GRSMA: The 2025-26 GRS season has been announced. 2025-26 GRS Season. Is there a specific concert that you're looking forward to performing?
JUDY: While I am excited about something on every one of the concerts, the titles that suggest traveling areas of the world and also beyond (The Music of Hans Zimmer) are especially intriguing.
https://www.grsymphony.org/music-of-hans-zimmer
Of course, the programs at St.Cecilia Music Center are among the top of my list because they feature my colleagues.
JAEWON: I’m really excited about the upcoming collaboration with Alban Gerhardt and Guido Sant’Anna e Silva. I’ve admired their playing for a long time, and I’m thrilled for the opportunity to work with them. The chance to hear them perform live, especially with such an intimate connection, is something I’m really looking forward to!
https://www.grsymphony.org/celebrating-america
GRSMA: Is there anything else that you wish to share?
JAEWON: I’d just like to say how incredibly grateful I am for the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful orchestra. Every day, I’m inspired by the dedication and warmth of my colleagues. On a personal note, I’m also really excited to continue discovering all of Grand Rapids, whether it’s the local parks, the food scene, or the incredible people I get to meet. I feel incredibly fortunate to be here, and I’m looking forward to all the musical and personal growth that lies ahead.
JUDY: I am so very grateful to have experienced these many years in this wonderful Grand Rapids Symphony.